This 5-day luxury tour from Shanghai to Beijing was beyond our expectations—every detail felt curated for comfort, sophistication, and deep cultural immersion. From the moment we booked, the company’s service set the tone: their team responded to our inquiries within an hour, customized the itinerary to include a private Peking opera experience (a request we’d made), and sent a detailed travel packet with restaurant reservations, hotel confirmations, and even a list of recommended attire for formal dinners. They also coordinated our high-speed train tickets in first class, ensuring a seamless start to the trip.

Our guide, Alex, was the epitome of professionalism and warmth. Fluent in both English and Mandarin, he had a background in Chinese history and art, which brought every landmark to life with nuance. At the Forbidden City, he arranged a private early-morning tour before crowds arrived, leading us through the Imperial Garden and pointing out rare artifacts (like a jade seal once used by Emperor Qianlong) that aren’t part of standard tours. At the Summer Palace, he hired a private gondola-style boat for us to glide across Kunming Lake, sharing stories of imperial family outings while we sipped premium Biluochun tea. Alex also anticipated our needs: he noted we enjoyed fine dining and recommended a Michelin-starred restaurant in Beijing’s hutongs, where he’d pre-arranged a private table with a view of traditional courtyard architecture. His photography skills were also impressive—he captured candid shots of us at the Great Wall (where we’d booked a private section for hiking) that looked like they belonged in a travel magazine.

The driver and vehicle were equally luxurious: we traveled in a sleek, black sedan that was spotlessly clean, with leather seats, climate control, and no trace of odors. The driver, Mr. Zhang, was impeccably dressed and drove with utmost smoothness, even in Beijing’s rush-hour traffic. He arrived 15 minutes early for every pickup, helped with our luggage, and kept the car stocked with bottled water, wet wipes, and even a small cooler with fresh fruit. On one occasion, we mentioned craving local lychees, and he went out of his way to stop at a premium market to pick some up— a thoughtful gesture that didn’t go unnoticed.

The itinerary balanced luxury and culture perfectly: Day 1 began with a first-class train from Shanghai to Beijing, followed by check-in at a 5-star hotel with a rooftop bar overlooking Tiananmen Square. Days 2-3 focused on private tours of the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Great Wall (with a gourmet picnic lunch on the wall). Day 4 included a private tea ceremony with a master in a historic courtyard and the Peking opera experience we’d requested. Day 5 ended with a leisurely stroll through a high-end art district before our return train to Shanghai. There was no wasted time—transfers were efficient, and we never felt rushed, even with a full schedule.

What truly set this tour apart was the attention to luxury details: private access to sites, premium accommodations, gourmet meals, and a team that anticipated our every need. Alex, Mr. Zhang, and the entire company made us feel like VIPs from start to finish. This wasn’t just a trip—it was an unforgettable experience that deepened our love for Chinese culture while spoiling us with comfort. We can’t recommend it enough for anyone seeking a luxurious, immersive journey between Shanghai and Beijing.

Reviewed to: The Essence of China: 5-Day Luxurious Shanghai Beijing Tour